Deeply rooted in the region’s history, Scottish culture will take centre stage through the Highland Games, a tradition that remains alive and well in many Scottish-heritage communities across Canada. Watch professional athletes compete in impressive tests of strength and skill to the sound of the bagpipes, and discover different facets of Scottish culture through the presence of Scottish clans and an exhibit dedicated to curling. The athletes will also share their expertise through introductory workshops featuring traditional events such as the caber toss and Scottish hammer throw.
Explore the Highland Games
Discover everything the Highland Games have to offer. Select an activity to learn more.
Curling Expo
Scottish luncheon
Highland Cows
2026 Highland Games Schedule
Plan your visit and don’t miss any of the Highland Games activities taking place as part of the Fall Festival in Ormstown.
Saturday
September 19, 2026
10 AM – 4 PM
Scottish Clans
Clans Area
11 AM – 5 PM
Curling Expo
Industrial Building
4:30 PM – 9 PM
Heavy Athletics Competitions
Professional Athletes
Midway
Sunday
September 20, 2026
10 AM – 4 PM
Scottish Clans
Clans Area
Highland Cows
Scottish cattle from Tudino Farm
near Midway
10 AM – 12:30 PM
Heavy Athletics Clinic
Pre-registration required
Midway
11 AM
Highland Games Opening Ceremonies
Massed Pipe Bands
Arena
11 AM – 5 PM
Curling Expo
Industrial Building
11 AM – 12:30 PM
Scottish Luncheon
Haggis, bridies, neeps and tatties
Dining Hall
1 PM – 3 PM
Heavy Athletics Competitions
Amateur Athletes
Midway
2 PM
Dance Demonstrations
Music by main Massed Bands
Arena
3 PM – 4 PM
Pop-up Musical Performances
Individual Pipe Bands / Combos
Various locations throughout the festival ground
Heavy Athletics
Highland Games heavy events put athletes’ strength, power and skill to the test through a series of events that are as traditional as they are spectacular. Stones, hammers, weights and massive wooden cabers are thrown for distance or height in an impressive display of raw strength… where technique can make all the difference. Just wait until you see these athletes in action—some of their performances truly have to be seen to be believed!
The Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation (CSAF) recognizes nine events in its competition results: two stone events, two weights for distance, two hammer events, the caber toss, the sheaf toss and the weight for height. A Highland Games heavy events competition must include at least five of these events.
Discover the Highland Games Heavy Events
Caber Toss
It’s the signature event of the Highland Games! The athlete lifts a massive wooden caber upright, builds momentum and tosses it so that it flips completely over. Distance doesn’t matter here: the perfect toss lands the caber pointing straight away from the athlete, at the 12 o’clock position.
Stone Put
There are two versions of this event, the predecessor of the modern shot put. The Braemar Stone (20–26 lbs) is thrown with one hand from a standing position, with no run-up. With the Open Stone (16–22 lbs), athletes may use an approach or a rotational technique before the throw. In both events, the goal is simple: throw the stone as far as possible.
Weight toss
Weight for the distance: A heavy lead weight attached to a handle and chain is swung and then thrown with one hand. Strength, speed and balance must be perfectly synchronized to gain those precious extra feet. The goal is to throw the weight as far as possible.
Weight for Height: Standing beneath a crossbar, the athlete swings a 56-lb (25.4-kg) weight between their legs, then launches it overhead with one hand to clear the bar. Each athlete gets three attempts at each height, and as the competition progresses, the bar is raised higher and higher. The athlete who clears the greatest height wins!
Scottish Hammer
The Scottish Hammer consists of a heavy metal ball attached to the end of a long, rigid rattan handle. The athlete swings the hammer around their body before launching it for distance. The feet remain planted on the ground: all the power comes from the athlete’s body, rotational speed and technique.
Featured Professional Athletes
LORNE COLTHART
Ottawa, ON
Three-time Canadian champion and seven-time World Championships competitor, Lorne Colthart is one of the biggest names in Highland Games in Canada. A seasoned athlete who has competed against the very best in the sport on the international stage, he promises to put on quite a show in Ormstown.
JAMIE TRASK
Fergus, ON
Canadian Junior Champion and 12th at the 2023 World Championships, Jamie Trask has established himself as one of Canada’s athletes to watch. Power, technique and experience—just wait until you see him take on the legendary events of the Highland Games!
JASON BAINES
Dalkeith, ON
161 caber tosses in one hour. Yes, you read it! That’s the incredible feat that earned Jason Baines a Guinness World Record. A pretty convincing glimpse of the strength and endurance of this seasoned athlete!
JACOB FAST
Cobourg, ON
What does it take to pull more than 86 tonnes over 30 metres? Some seriously extraordinary strength! Jacob Fast and his brother did just that, pulling three fire trucks—a feat that earned them a place in the Guinness World Records.
DEVON HEPBURN
Roseneath, ON
Devon Hepburn is part of a new generation of athletes making their mark on the Canadian Highland Games circuit. A winner at Kincardine in 2026, he’s coming to Ormstown ready to show what this rising generation can do!
FRASER CLARK
Elora, ON
Already a Canadian Junior Champion in the 17–19 age category, Fraser Clark is one of the most promising rising talents in the Highland Games. He has even achieved the famous perfect “12 o’clock” caber toss—the kind of performance we’re hoping to see again in Ormstown!
Introduction to Highland Games Heavy Events Clinic
Ever wondered what it’s like to toss a caber, a stone or a Scottish hammer? The professional athletes competing in Ormstown will lead an introductory clinic where participants can try their hand at several traditional Highland Games events.
After the clinic, participants will put what they’ve learned into practice during a friendly competition in front of Festival spectators.
Only 12 spots available!
Ages 14+ • Kilt required
Don’t miss your chance—register now by emailing manager@expoormstown.com.
Meet the Scottish Clans
Clans have played an important role in Scottish history and traditions—and several have left their mark right here in the Chateauguay Valley. Take the opportunity to meet them at the Festival, discover their history, tartans and traditions, and perhaps even uncover a few traces of your own Scottish roots!
Scottish Clans at the 2026 Festival
Clan ELLIOT
clan Maclaren
clan gregor
Clan Macrae
Clan Logan
scots of canada
Scottish Music & Dance
Get ready for the sound of bagpipes, the beat of drums and the energy of Scottish dance! Pipe bands will perform throughout the Festival, both on their own and together in spectacular massed bands, while Scottish dancers bring another vibrant tradition to life. It’s a chance to experience the richness, spirit and energy of Scottish culture through music and dance.
Pipe Bands Performing at the 2026 Festival
elgin-district pipes & drums
RCMP “C” Division (Montreal)
78th Fraser Highlanders – quebec city
MontrEal Pipes and Drums
The Black Watch (Canadian Royal Highland Regiment)
Dance Groups Performing at the 2026 Festival
Scottish Country Dancing Montréal
young academy of irish dance
Stephenson School of Highland Dance
